I used to think the same way, but I've found that people actually do notice quality differences in unexpected places. A few years back, we skimped a bit on fixtures in a guest bathroom—figured no one would care. Then my brother-in-law visited and jokingly called out our "budget faucet" at dinner... awkward. Since then, I've leaned toward mid-range for secondary spaces too. Premium might be overkill, but going too cheap can subtly undermine the overall impression you're aiming for.
"Premium might be overkill, but going too cheap can subtly undermine the overall impression you're aiming for."
Yeah, I've noticed this too. A client once insisted on budget tiles for a laundry room—thought it'd be fine—but visitors kept mentioning how "dated" it looked. Makes me wonder, where exactly is that sweet spot between cost-saving and quality...?
"Makes me wonder, where exactly is that sweet spot between cost-saving and quality...?"
Good question—honestly, it's tricky. I've found that aiming for mid-range materials with solid durability ratings usually hits the mark. For instance, I once went with budget flooring on a small eco-friendly build, thinking it'd be fine. But within months, wear was noticeable, and it undermined the project's overall sustainability message. Now I prioritize longevity and environmental impact over immediate savings...usually pays off in the long run.
"Now I prioritize longevity and environmental impact over immediate savings...usually pays off in the long run."
Definitely see your point there, but do you think it always has to be mid-range materials? I'm currently building my first custom home, and I've found some pretty decent lower-cost options by doing extra research and checking out reviews. Maybe it's less about price range alone and more about knowing exactly where you can afford to cut corners without sacrificing too much quality or durability...? Curious if anyone else had luck with careful selection at lower price points.
Totally get where you're coming from—it's all about smart compromises. I've seen some amazing builds done with budget-friendly materials just by carefully vetting reviews and warranties. Sometimes creativity and research can stretch your dollar further than you'd think...sounds like you're on the right track.
